Time for another question from the newbie!

So I've read the descriptions of LSD and DSC, but I'm not mechanically or technically inclined and don't really understand what the difference is.


Could someone please dumb down these two features and tell me which one is used for what?

 

Welcome to NAM.

DSC = Directional Stability Control: This feature does things like cut back the throttle and apply brakes to specific wheels when the computer senses that you are not heading in the direction that you want to go. It will also cut back the throttle when it senses wheel slip under accelleration (very annoying). DSC can be switched off when needed.

LSD = Limited Slip Differential: This feature does not cut back the throttle at all. In case of wheel slip under accelleration, LSD transfers power to the wheel that has the most traction. It's a terrific thing to have when driving on ice and snow or for track and autocross days.

I hope that helps!

 

Don't feel bad, my MA couldn't give a credible answer to that question either. This could be entirely wrong (and I'd appreciate a correction), but the best I've been able to piece to gether is this:

LSD transfers power from the front wheel that is slipping to the other front wheel. This is an acceleration thing.

ASC may be what you are thinking of, rather than DSC. ASC applies the brake to a front wheel that is spinning while accelerating. I'm not quite sure how this interacts with LSD. It was probably interesting to get ASC working with the LSD. Perhaps ASC comes into play when the LSD has done all it can. For cars without LSD, ASC is the poor-man's LSD.

DSC uses the brakes and engine torque to try to control drift situations in cornering.

 

If your ultimate question is "which should I get?" I'd tell you--BOTH!

 

Agreed, daffodildeb

 

After taking a spin with an R56 MCS with sport suspension, I am somewhat surprised that the LSD is not standard.

 

Did you also drive the standard suspension? Could you compare the handling and ride comfort on each?

 

ASC+T: Automatic Stability Control + Traction, This system controls Wheel Spin, and ONLY wheelspin. If you accelerate too quickly and the wheels begin to spin, it cuts power to regain traction. Also, should you decelerate on a slippery surface, and encounter a wheel lockup due to engine braking, the system feeds power to the wheel to get it moving again. This system comes standard on ALL Mini's.

DSC: Dynamic Stability Control, a computer controlled system that uses a yaw sensor, ABS Sensors, and steering input sensors (Yaw <--> is lateral movement, similar to what a rudder on an airplane controls) to ascertain whether or not the car is moving in the direction that you're trying to steer it in. This system alone controls ONLY the individual brakes on each wheel to keep the car pointed where you want it. The DSC on the Mini INCLUDES ASC, which performs the functions mentioned. This system is an option.

LSD: Limited Slip Differential, a mechanical differential that as explained, transfers power to the wheel with the most traction in a situation where one wheel has less traction than the other. This vastly improves traction.
This system is an option.

The Mini also has both EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and CBC (Corner Brake Control) standard.

I have both an LSD for Performance and DSC for Safety. The two systems *Could* work together to increase performance, but since DSC is linked to ASC on the Mini, you won't see any performance benefit by getting DSC.

More information can be found here:

DSC: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electro...bility_Program

ASC:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti_Slip_Regulation

LSD:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limited_Slip_Differential

General Mini Safety System Info:
http://www.bmwworld.com/models/mini/safety.htm

 

Unfortunately, I only got the chance to drive the Sport suspension. I wanted to try the hyper sport but it wasn't available. The Sport suspension felt as comfortable as a 3 series. The bumps were sucked up very nicely but the car still cornered very well and had good turn-in. If I didn't autox and just wanted a fun, great handling daily driver, I would very seriously consider the Sport suspension.

 

There is only the standard suspension and the sport suspension. The hyper sport you are refering to is a package deal that includes the sport suspension and an areo kit.

 

Thanks, that does help explain it better. Although I just went back on Miniusa.com and it looks like I can't get LSD anyway, cuz I got an automatic. I did get the DSC, though.

 

Slight correction here. ASC+T was not standard on 1st Gen MINI Coopers (R50) and MINI Cooper Convertibles (R52). It was standard on all 1st Gen MINI Cooper Ses (R53) and MINI Cooper S Convertibles (R52).

There are plenty of (non-S) 1st Gen Coopers out there without ASC+T or DSC. DSC was still an option of course.

It appears that for the R56 though, all Coopers (whether S or not) come with ASC+T as standard, and DSC as an optional upgrade.

 

Well, in any case, the whatever suspension came with the MCS with sport package on it was comfy. Handled nicely and reminded me of the 3 series suspension as far as the handling vs. ride quality balance goes. It is too soft for serious spirited driving and autox, but it still makes for a great handling car.

 

DSC "can" help you correct going through a corner by applying a break where the computer thinks you need it. LSD won't. Remember, DSC cannot rewrite physics. If you have exceeded the physics of traction in a corner, you are on your way to having a wreck!

 

what type of LSD does the MINI have?

 

Don't have one on mine so not sure exactly, but I think its a clutch type. It will wear out at some point.